40 arrested by Portland police in holiday retail theft mission

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A two-day retail theft mission resulted in the arrests of 40 people this past weekend, according to Portland police.

Focusing on the Mall 205 and Gateway shopping areas, PPB says officers recovered over $3700 in stolen merchandise, issued nine citations and stopped 14 vehicles over the course of the mission.

Further, police added that many of those arrested could be facing additional charges including illegal possession of firearms, vehicle theft, as well as drug possession and distribution.

PPB also participated in a retail theft mission at the Clackamas Town Center led by the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office on Dec. 12, which resulted in 32 arrests.

Given the rise in organized retail theft, PPB said they expect more operations to come in the new year.